by John Marshall

“ Although a scarcity of seamen prevented the Toulon fleet, as a body, from making any serious attempt to put to sea during the year 1813, large divisions of it frequently came out to manoeuvre, but only when the wind was favorable for returning into port.
At the latter end of October, Sir Edward Pellew was blown off his station by a succession of hard gales, which lasted eight days; and it was not till the evening of Nov. 4, that the inshore squadron, under Captain (now Sir Henry) Heathcote, arrived off Cape Sicie. ”

“ Your late promotion having rendered the probability of your return to these islands very remote, permit me to say, that, in your departure, the public, as well as individuals, will sustain a very serious loss, because, during the whole period of your command within these islands, you have not only attended more particularly to their defence and the protection of their trade, but have at all times readily accommodated yourself to the wishes of individuals, as far as a due regard to your duty would permit. ”

“ Paul Gerard Pointe, seven days from Basse-terre, Guadaloupe, carrying 18 twelve-pounder carronades and 2 long guns, with a complement of 160 men, 31 of whom were soldiers, going to cruise for the homeward-bound Jamaica fleet [3] .
“The enemy’s loss was great before the melancholy scene that put an end to the action, she having between 20 and 30 men killed and wounded; the second Captain and one Lieutenant are the only surviving officers: mine is inconsiderable, 9 men only being wounded, some slightly, I hope none dangerously. ”

“ Pembroke, Captain James Brisbane, – 3 men slightly wounded; part of her wheel carried away by the first French shot that took effect. Of the loss and damage sustained by the enemy we cannot speak with any degree of certainty.
No chance of a general action now remaining, as the strengh of the Toulon fleet continued to be lessened by sending off draughts of men to Napoleon’s armies. Captain Coghlan exchanged into the Alcmene frigate, and soon after captured la Fleche French national schooner, of 12 guns and 99 men, proceeding from Toulon to Corsica with 24 soldiers. ”

“ I have the honor to be. Sir, &c.
(Signed) ⁠“W. V. Munnings, President.” “To Jeremiah Coghlan, Esq.
Commander of H.M. sloop Lik.”
Captain Coghlan’s post commission was signed at the Admiralty, Nov. 27, 1810; but it will be seen, by the date of the President’s letter, that he remained in the Elk for more than five months after his promotion. We next find him commanding the Caledonia of 120 guns, bearing the flag of Sir Edward Pellew, on the Mediterranean station. His appointment to that ship took place, Sept. 30, 1812. ”

“ In Aug. 1813, Captain Coghlan volunteered to lead a detachment of marines to the attack of five heavy batteries, defending the bay and town of Cassis, a place situated between Toulon and Marseilles. The heroic manner in which he conducted himself on that occasion, and the successful result of the enterprise, have been stated at pp. ”

“ On the 11th Oct. following, Captain Coghlan captured la Bellone privateer, of 4 guns and 50 men; and on the 28th May, 1806, la Diligente, a national brig, hauled down her colours to le Renard, without attempting the least resistance, although mounting 14 long 6-pounders and 2 brass 36-pounder carronades, with a complement of 125 men. When taken on board le Renard, the French commander, Mons. ”